Monday, January 28, 2008


The Scene
I work hard for my money.
Sooo hard for my money.


The Outfit

Forever 21 white tunic
with beige satin pleating detail

Beige wrap sweater
Theory chocolate slacks
Vintage Parisian eggshell trench



The Accents

Chanel quilted brown sunglasses
Faux Chanel white earrings
YSL burgundy d'orsay pumps
YSL burgundy tote

The Grade
B+

The Commentary
Last night, after discussing love and careers, Lauragami and I talked fashion. She was shocked when I revealed my purty top was Forever 21 and (ironically) just $22. We rehashed my adamant opinion that with her model-like figure, youth and delish face she does not need to spend a ton of cash on clothes. Luxe classic basics - shoes, bags, jeans, sunglasses - are worth the investment. Everything else should be kept fun, on trend and fairly disposable.

She requested a) we hit Forever 21 together since she gets easily overwhelmed in there and b) that I come over and show her how to get different outfits from just a few pieces ala her fave Lucky Magazine articles. I LOVE THOSE TOO!!!

L. then asked me whether Forever has work clothes. Which leads me to today's outfit. I wore the same tunic out to a birthday party at a bar last night and to my corporate casual office today. I just mixed up what I paired with it to be appropriate for the setting.

I think the work/play divide has become practically non-existent unless you work in an uber conservative, traditional office. And, duh, we all know that flashing too much skin is a no-no at work. So as long as you're not doing that then I think fun pieces can turn into work pieces very easily.

As an ode to Lucky, here are three chic but very basic work outfits from just one little Forever 21 tunic


With chocolate wrap sweater, Katayone Adeli beige trousers, Manolo Blahnik chocolate pumps and Gucci hobo.










A more casual Friday look with Blue Cult jeans, beige wrap sweater, Gucci platform sandals and a vintage white chain strap purse.









A more summery look- white Theory linen pants, beige Forever 21 pleated jacket, Miu Miu brown satchel, Marc Jacobs Greecian sandals.







Plus here's another going out look - Seven straight leg jeans, Yves Saint Laurent gold/silver heels, Alice Roi clutch. All it needs to be work appropriate is a little brown jacket which I am realizing I need in my wardrobe.

AND I didn't even get into how different each look can get when you factor in hair accessories, scarves, jewelery and makeup.

I adore fashion. It's like this great way to reinvent yourself...every day.



14 comments:

weezermonkey said...

I can't believe I am the only person to have voted for Rami so far.

amber said...

love this!! i always see those features in lucky and think 'yeah right. i could never do that.' impressive, dear. very impressive!

and i'm still loving that top on you.

Anonymous said...

Great tutorial and real-life examples of how to mix-and-match. I get so stuck in a rut with what pair with certain tops.

Anonymous said...

Love the shout out to Lucky and the layering, especially in this weather. I'm inspired to buy more classic pieces and shoes that will last more than 2 seasons. Thanks for the inspiration.

styleminded said...

this post is super! i love the "how to" instruction paired with the photos. um and also loving the chain link quilted white purse.

MissMissy said...

I wonder if Forever's sales have increased because of your wonderful blog. This is one of my most favorite posts so far.

Anonymous said...

You are an inspiration. But I have a sartorial bone to pick: namely, that I believe those YSL shoes aren't "accents"; they ARE the outfit. I LOVE THEM.

I challenge your definition of "outfit". I think a lady wearing only those shoes could arguably be wearing a very memorable "outfit". Shoes are a critical part of our clothing experience. When stuck, I will often pick my shoes first and the rest of my clothes...well, they follow suit.

Your how to is fabulous. Good work SuperSweet.

Winnie said...

You're so cute! I just may have to venture outside of my black and grey wardrobe and get some adorable accessories like yours :)

Anonymous said...

You are so freaking cute. I super sparkly puffy heart your blog. This was an exceptionally fabulous post and I love how XXII is now better merchandising their clothing. Aaaaand, kudos to you for admitting you shop there. When someone asks me where I got my top I say, "some little boutique in Manhattan Beach!"
haha!

KFR said...

Excellent job channeling the Lucky how to vibe and taking a "play" top to a work top Count me in if you organize a group trip to F21 - I want to learn some of your bargainista tactics.

Mrs. Shorty Cake said...

That's definitely my favorite part of Lucky magazine! Great post...I'm definitely loving all of tunic-y style tops this season. :)

wan said...

how cute are you?!?

love the ensembles. nice mix of budget and luxe!

Cee said...

I love this post, it's like reading a Marie Clare/Lucky mag. Like you I love mixing luxe garments w/ fun accessories and trends of the moment from either Forever or H&M.

Keep them Coming!

p.s. i'm going to tear forever apart looking for that top tomorrow. it'll go great when i'm hitting the bars w/ my friends.

Da Fashionista said...

yay, girls!

thanks for the love!!!

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